Computer-Assisted Scheduling and Dispatching Systems for Paratransit Transportation: An Assessment of Agency Readiness in Planning for Statewide Deployment

Computer-assisted scheduling and dispatching (CASD) systems have arguably shown to facilitate operational improvements and coordination in paratransit. However, the level of realized positive impacts depends on the specifics of each implementation plan and overall deployment strategy, as well as the attitudes of potential users. In addition, the concerns of paratransit providers about implementing new software given their level of technology readiness need to be addressed. This paper examines the state of practice technology readiness of paratransit providers in the state of Illinois. It is shown that for most operators, implementing CASD systems would require developing new computer skills and training existing personnel.